St Mary’s Homes

St Mary’s Homes, Church Lane, Godstone

The Homes were founded in 1872 and were built in a romantic half timbered free Tudor style to a design of Sir George Gilbert Scott who, at that time, lived nearby and was also carrying out extensive works to the adjoining church of St Nicholas. The buildings are listed Grade II* and consist of six one person dwellings and two slightly larger ones each suitable for a couple. There is also a chapel and the original well and accompanying shingled roof structure. The Homes were founded through the sole generosity of Mrs Augusta Nona Hunt a wealthy widow who lived in the parish with her daughter Mabel Fanny. Mabel died tragically shortly after her 18th birthday and in her grief Mrs Hunt resolved to commemorate her daughter by the founding of St Mary’s Homes for the elderly of the parish. St. Mary’s Homes is a registered charity (No. 206075) and is administered by trustees. The objects of the charity are to provide sheltered accommodation to those in need who are able to maintain themselves at an affordable price in a peaceful and supportive environment. The residents pay a monthly contribution to cover the costs of maintenance, heating and other services. The amount payable is well below the equivalent fair rent determined by the Valuation Office Agency. Vacancies occur from time to time and enquiries should be referred to the Hon Secretary, Philip Anderson at 13, The Priory, Godstone, RH9 8NL telephone 01883 742655

The following is an extract from Godstone Parish Magazine 1872:

Death of Miss Mabel Fanny Hunt 27th June 1872 We have also to record a very painful incident in the annals of our village, showing how true it is that there is but a step from the house of feasting to the house of mourning. Within a short week after the above happy event one of the bridesmaids, the very life and soul of that cheerful party, the darling and pride of the village, Miss Mabel Fanny Hunt, was called away by the sudden stroke of death. Although not belonging to the records of last month, we cannot help adding that on Tuesday, July 2nd, our beautiful Church was again filled by a deeply sympathizing congregation, who came to pay their last tribute of affection to one whose gentle and simple character had made her very dear to all. Never was a more touching scene beheld in the Churchyard, than when young and old pressed forward to shower flowers upon the coffin in its last resting place; and we are sure that many a prayer went up on behalf of the bereaved mother, sorrowing indeed not as those who have no hope, but in quiet faith and resignation waiting the glad morning of the Resurrection.

Pages of interest

UPDATE The latest ‘Regulation 18’ consultation on the ‘New Garden Village’ is now closed. There is significant doubt amongst respondents as to whether Tandridge District Council will take any notice of responses, but they are currently being analysed.

Godstone was known as Walchnestead and entered into the Doomsday Book. King Ethelred handed the land of Walchnestead to his daughter Goda. The Saxon word for ‘Hamlet’ is ‘ton’ so the Manor became ‘Goda’s Ton’ later translated to ‘Godstone’.

Godstone has a rich and vibrant community. There are many organisations in the village ranging from clubs for toddlers to Age Concern. There are a number of sports clubs and societies of special interest. Contact details for each organisation are within their page.

What’s the latest news from in and around Godstone? Keep up-to-date with what’s happening or happened in the village. We’ll keep you informed about things that affect our beautiful village and we’ll share with you topics that we hope will be of interest.